By Bill W. Cooper
AIFO Liberia, in collaboration with the Business Startup Center (BSC) Monrovia, this Friday, April 25, 2025, will launch the second round of Market Fair 2025 for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) aimed at promoting inclusivity and economic empowerment.
With the support of the Swedish International Development Agency (SIDA), the launch of the fair for the PWDs who have established innovative and creative enterprises will be held under the theme: “Promoting People with Disability in Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) Development.”
The event, which is expected to take place at the Sinkor Palace, Tubman Boulevard, Sinkor, is also expected to draw significant attention from local businesses, from both the public and private sector, all eager to support the entrepreneurial spirit of individuals with disabilities.
The ‘Market Fair’ is designed to provide a platform for persons living with disabilities to showcase their products and services, as this initiative not only aims to enhance visibility for these entrepreneurs but also seeks to foster a supportive community that recognizes the talents and contributions of individuals with disabilities.
In a statement issued yesterday, April 23, 2025, and signed by BSC Monrovia CEO Williams R. Dennis and published by Laura Todescato of AIFO, the Fair will showcase and expose PWDs’ businesses to the general public.
The statement also disclosed that the BSC Monrovia will present each of the Startups’ products and services that have received seed funding from AIFO through the CAD-L Project and technical support from BSC.
The statement maintained, “The Market Fair will see both public and private sector actors participating and providing information on policy reforms and laws that protect and provide a conducive environment for PWD startups.”
“The fair will bring existing PWD businesses to a hub, and therefore, the number of businesses is expected to increase over time with the project rollout; the Fair will last for half a day and will be extensively advertised through media, leaflets, and word of mouth from the wide array of CAD-L partners.
Furthermore, PWDs will have the opportunity to market their product and services and as such, establish a stronger buyers’ database and linkages,” the statement revealed.
According to the release, both BSC Monrovia and AIFO further encouraged all Government Ministries and Agencies, including International Organizations, Private Sector Organizations among others, to participate in the Fair.
The release added that these various institutions’ participation is intended to support PWDs’ businesses, products, and services.
Meanwhile, AIFO Liberia, a non-governmental organization dedicated to improving the quality of life for persons with disabilities, has been at the forefront of advocating for the rights and inclusion of this marginalized group.
The organization’s partnership with the BSC, which specializes in nurturing small businesses and startups, marks a significant step towards creating sustainable economic opportunities for persons with disabilities in Liberia.
The Market Fair for Persons living with Disabilities is not only a celebration of entrepreneurship but also a call to action for the community to recognize and support the capabilities of individuals with disabilities.
